Do not remove the felt seal strips. If you think you have a leak now, just wait. The wind noise will be spectactular as well. Your drains are plugged. I have seen the 280 setup and it looks like they are in the rear lateral gutter area when the roof is retracted. Try pouring some water in the gutters around the panel and see where it goes. Should run off to the rear and disappear. If not, call roto-rooter . Not sure of the safest way to clear the blockage in your car, but, I cleaned my 300e drains with those long chenelle strips (like pipe cleaners only long). Got them at a local craft store. Good luck..

Are you SURE that it isn't covered under warranty (even tho' you're a few miles out)? I had Smythe European (San Jose) cover stuff on a previous MBZ when I was 6-mos/1000+ miles out of the warranty period. Can't hurt to visit your local MBZ dealer and ask. A lot of time they'll do it out of "good will/customer service". One hint, go there in person with your vehicle and "butter-up" the service advisor (e.g. - "Your facility and staff is always so nice to me and do very professional work, blah, blah, blah") -- you get the picture. As a minimum they'll probably have a look at it and either give you *free* advice, or let you know what it'll cost at which time you say, "Hmm, I heard that it could be fixed under warranty even tho' I'm only a couple miles out, but still within the the 4-years". Give it a try; you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.